Project Grace

New Hanover County’s “Project Grace” is a potential redevelopment opportunity of a three-acre county-owned block in downtown Wilmington. The block is bordered by Grace, Third, Chestnut, and Second streets and currently includes the county’s Main Public Library, a parking deck, and several underutilized surface parking lots.

The project will potentially incorporate a public-private partnership, where the county would work with project teams to redevelop part of the site – adding taxpayer value through private investment – and also incorporate a modern Public Library, Cape Fear Museum, and parking deck.

Community input will continue to be welcome throughout this project, and can be given at by completing the form on the Community Survey tab of this page.

Project Grace is a strategic initiative focused on leveraging public infrastructure to encourage private development, ultimately serving our community as a project focused on Intelligent Growth and Economic Development.

New Hanover County is in the unique position of owning an entire city-block in downtown Wilmington. This block currently includes a New Hanover County Library and a 640-space parking garage, but a large portion of the block is underutilized.

The vision for this block is to house a modern public library and Cape Fear Museum, better utilize the parking garage, and include private space for retail, residential, office, or hotel opportunities.

In July 2017, a feasibility study was conducted outlining a path forward. The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners unanimously directed staff to proceed with issuing a Request for Proposals from project teams, which explores the options of entering into a public-private partnership.

What is a Public Private Partnership?
According to the Urban Land Institute, “Public-private partnerships are considered “creative alliances” formed between a government entity and private developers to create a common purpose.” This kind of partnership builds collaborative relationships, allows sharing of resources, minimizes the county’s risk, creates greater efficiencies, and furthers the community’s economic development potential. Below are professional associations focused on public-private partnerships:

New Hanover County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in October 2018 and on December 14, 2018, the county received a full proposal from Zimmer Development Company and team. The county is currently reviewing the proposal and working with a financial consultant to provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposal. Opportunities for public input will take place in early February.

Below is a detailed timeline for the project:

Project Timeline

Date

Solicitation/Phase I: Request for Qualifications (RFQ) released

April 30, 2018

Statements of qualifications from project teams due

June 15, 2018

Project team evaluations

July 2018

Recommendation to Board of Commissioners on how to proceed to a Request for Proposals (RFP)

September 17, 2018

Top qualified teams invited to submit full proposals

October 2018

Full proposals due

December 2018

Evaluation of proposals, including public input and an independent financial analysis

Early 2019 as target timeframe

Recommendation to Board of Commissioners & decision on next steps

2019 (specific timeframe TBD)

The county will conduct a separate study to determine the future use of the existing Cape Fear Museum site, and that study is not part of this solicitation process.

When the Board of Commissioners voted to move forward with Project Grace proposals, they outlined several key priorities for the project, including:

Capture the full market potential of the site to maximize revenue to the county, which will help to fund the construction or renovation of a new library and museum on the site.

Include a modern library and a modern Cape Fear Museum either through new construction or by exploring opportunities for the renovation of existing space.

Provide usable green space to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the site and outdoor functions of these services.

Maintain library services in the downtown area during the construction or renovation process.

Comply with the City of Wilmington’s maximum height limit for this block, which is 132 feet. The size, massing, and historical context of all proposed structures must be compatible with surrounding buildings.

Provide a pedestrian friendly site design that is integrated into the downtown grid street network. And make accommodations for traffic and buses transporting groups to the museum and library.

Ensure sufficient parking for library and museum patrons, as well as parking that accommodates the private development.

Below are presentations given to the community and Board of Commissioners about Project Grace:

Development Team & Qualifications

Community input has been an important part of Project Grace, and will continue to be welcome throughout the project. Residents are encouraged to provide their feedback about the project by completing the form on the Community Survey tab of this page.

In addition, New Hanover County will host two public meetings to share information about Project Grace and the redevelopment proposal that was submitted by Zimmer Development Company. The meetings will be held:

Tuesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Cape Fear Museum in the Williston Auditorium

Thursday, February 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Downtown Library in the Hanover Room.

A short presentation with an overview of the proposal will be given at each meeting beginning at 6 p.m. The remainder of the time will be available for one-on-one questions with county staff and the proposal team, and an opportunity to provide written feedback about the proposal.

Below is a summary of the public input that has helped shaped Project Grace so far…

New Hanover County Commissioners and county staff have received emails and helpful feedback from the public since the Project Grace study was presented in July 2017. In addition, two information meetings were held on September 18 and 19, 2017, to provide information about the study and possible scenarios for redevelopment. The public was able to provide written input at these meetings and ask one-on-one questions from staff.